Adding pullets to laying hens

[ChickyHawk]

I am trying to add 3 seven week old pullets to my small existing flock of 5 RIR - they are 20 weeks old and just began laying this week.
I began introductions about 2 weeks ago. One of the hens is not receiving the young ones so well. She chases and pecks them mostly. This is all done outside in me backyard so they are free to run away, and do avoid the pecking by running. I'd like to get these pullets out of my garage and into the coop at night. But, I think they will just get pecked to heck in there with nowhere to run. They are only in there for sleeping and a few hours in the morning after a I feed them. When is it best to more the newbies in, at night or dawn?

Most of the other hens seen okay with the younger pullets. Some will peck them occasionally if they walk by, but generally the younger ones keep together close and to themselves.

But what should I do about the relentless one that won't let up? I almost feel like throwing the pullets in there and having her spend a few days in the garage. Then after 2 or 3 days bring her back into the flock. See if that shakes things up. Can I do that?

I understand there's a pecking order and all - for resources and status.
I just want them all to get along and watch each others back.

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

Put them in a place and use the see but no touch rule for a week at least.Welcome to BYC! Glad you could join the Flock! Let me know if you need anything!

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

Hello and welcome!

 

[Mrs. K]

One of the things you might try, is letting your hens out and locking them out, with the chicks inside the coop/run alone. This lets the chicks explore the new place without being chased and harassed. It also lets the old birds see the new chicks in there, without the sky falling.

I would try putting the mean one in the garage, and letting the other old ones in just before dark. The urge to roost will be as strong as the urge to fight.

Do not be surprised if the chicks, are the last to go to roost, they are in the teen age mode and want to hang out at night! The chicks will be a sub flock within the flock until they begin to lay.

After the new ones can roost for a few days, you can try adding in the crabby one.

mrs K

 

[aart]

I began introductions about 2 weeks ago. One of the hens is not receiving the young ones so well. She chases and pecks them mostly.

How did you do the introductions?

How big is your coop and run, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics would help us help you.

The chase and peck is not unusual, probably the lowest ranking bird of the existing flock.
Is she chasing them down and beating them when they run away?


These tips may help....
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

 

[member 536722]

I feel you on flock integration and pecking order woes.

I am trying to incorporate two 9-week buff orpingtons in with my two 20-week, not-yet-laying barred rocks. We started 5 weeks ago with side-by-side runs.

Eventually, got all four out for free ranging in our large back yard during the day. They do not hang out together. The BRs hog the feeders and waterers, but we have several spread out. At night, the buffs sleep in a dog kennel in the garage.

The buffs are pretty much terrified of the BRs. I’ve let them interact some and there is always chasing and pecking. No one’s bloody or injured so I wonder if the buffs are just super scared and dramatic. I can’t tell if one BR is worse than another.

We took the next step last night, putting the buffs into the coop at night with the sleepy BRs. I opened the run before sunrise and noticed no issues. I thought that would be that.

But the drama continues during coop up time. Squawking, chasing, pecking, panicking buffs. So, for the second night, we just snuck the buffs into the coop at night. No skirmishes at night.

Do I keep this up (night time incorporation)? Do the buffs just need to get bigger? The buffs aren’t huge, but not scrawny either. Not as large as the BRs for sure. Or do I let them peck it out? I’m a first timer so it looks brutal to me. Not sure if it’s normal.

All feeders have chick/grower feed in them. I’ve put a couple distracting treats & toys in the run.

My goal is to have them in one coop and somewhat getting along within 2 more weeks but I don’t know where to go from here.

 

[aart]

Do I keep this up (night time incorporation)? Do the buffs just need to get bigger? The buffs aren’t huge, but not scrawny either. Not as large as the BRs for sure. Or do I let them peck it out? I’m a first timer so it looks brutal to me. Not sure if it’s normal.

See my post above https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/adding-pullets-to-laying-hens.1305573/#post-21275847